Most high school football programs couldn't withstand such heavy losses, but Lamar isn't most programs. As a tribute to the Redskins' consistency, Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine and the Houston Chronicle tabbed Lamar, with only a handful of returning starters, as one of the top contenders in District 21-5A, along with HISD rival Westside.

Nolen won't go so far as to call the Redskins the front-runner, but he believes they should definitely be one of the teams to beat.

"You'd have to call Westside the favorite, based on the number of kids they have coming back," Nolen said. "Bellaire should be real good and Madison will be improved. We've also got four new teams with Austin, Chavez, Milby and Sam Houston. We should do well, but we'll be tested."

The Redskins have to face some tough competition before they get to District 21-5A play. Lamar opens the 2004 season against Yates at 7 p.m. on Friday at Delmar Stadium.

When the Redskins play the Lions, most of their players will be starting their first game on varsity.

Among the newcomers is sophomores Demetrius Woods (6-foot, 170 pounds) and J.J. McDermott (6-3, 200) at quarterback. Both were stars on Lamar's outstanding freshmen team a year ago.

Woods and McDermott lack experience but no shortage of talent. Although they are even in ability, Nolen doesn't foresee a quarterback controversy erupting under his watch.

"J.J. is the better passer, and Demetrius can run it and throw it," Nolen said.

"Right now, it's neck-and-neck between them. We'll see how it plays out."

Quarterback isn't the only position in question. Senior Jonathan Lewis (5-9, 180) and sophomore Eric Eiland (6-1, 190) are the candidates at tailback. Lewis and Eiland performed well in the Redskins' preseason scrimmage, according to their coach.

"Jonathan has more experience and is more of a blocking back, and Eric has better speed," Nolen said. "They both bring different things to the position."

While the backfield is young, the receiving corps features a few veterans. Seniors Brandon LaFell (6-3, 185) and Quincy Driver (6-1, 175) are both returning first-team all-district performers.

LaFell, who caught 38 passes for 479 yards and eight touchdowns, was named second-team offense on the Chronicle's preseason All-Greater Houston team. He is considered a blue-chip prospect.

Driver, who added 21 receptions for 302 yards and three scores, also is expected to have a big year. He has committed to Texas A&M.

"Brandon and Quincy are two of the premier receivers in the area," Nolen said. "They've got speed (4.5 seconds in 40 yards) and good hands. We're expecting big things from them."

Nolen noted that Lamar will use a spread offense this season with four receivers most of the time. In addition to LaFell and Driver, other receivers include seniors Rene Glapion (5-9, 180) and Mike Reed (6-0, 185), junior Corey Gladney (5-9, 160) and sophomore Joshua Morris (5-9, 155).

Lamar's offensive line includes several newcomers. The veteran is Jack Miller, a 6-3, 300-pound senior, at right tackle.

"Jack is the leader among our offensive linemen," Nolen said. "He's an intelligent kid who makes everyone around him better."

Senior Andre Limonthas (6-0, 260) is the left guard. Like Miller, he has plenty of experience.

"Andrew is a good athlete and one of the strongest guys on the team," Nolen said.

Lamar's special teams should be solid, with junior J.R. Imber (5-9, 160) doing the kicking and punting.

Nolen said Yates is the perfect opponent for his team to start the season. The Lions, coached by former Lamar assistant Ray Evans, are a senior-laden team who should give the Redskins all they can handle and maybe more

"We have a lot of respect for coach Evans," Nolen said. "He was on my staff a few years ago, and it's a lot of fun playing your friends. He's going to have his team ready and out for revenge."

Lamar won last year's game 44-12, but that was a different Redskins squad. But as long as Nolen has been on the sidelines, Lamar has fielded a formidable team.

"We've got so many kids who have never started a varsity game," Nolen said.

LAMAR FILE

• Opener: vs. Yates, 7 p.m. Friday at Delmar Stadium.
• District: 21-5A
• Coach: Tom Nolen. Nolen is one of Texas' winningest high school coaches. His career winning percentage is .759 (222-78-7) and .766 (167-49-6) in 19 seasons at Lamar.
• 2003: Lamar finished 11-2 and claimed its second District 18-5A title in a row. After losing to Port Arthur Memorial 10-7 in Week 2, the Redskins won 10 straight games before falling to eventual Division I state champion North Shore 42-19 in the quarterfinals.
• Key returnees: Seniors wide receivers Brandon LaFell and Quincy Driver are both returning first team all-district performers.